Don't want to cook on Thanksgiving? Try these restaurants, activities open in Jackson
Whether you’re not into Thanksgiving, you want to mix it up this year, or your holiday feast went up in flames, here are some ideas of how to get the most out of the bank holiday even if you don’t like turkey.
These Jackson-area places are open for business on Thanksgiving Day, with some serving traditional holiday fare and others providing alternatives to the conventional holiday options.
Movie and a cocktail
With both "Devotion" and Disney’s "Strange World" premiering by Thanksgiving Day, Malco’s Renaissance Cinema in Ridgeland is the perfect option for a low-key evening. Devotion has a local flair, highlighting the story of Jesse L. Brown, the Navy's first Black pilot and a native Mississippian. Don’t forget to grab a bite from the Malco Grill and a cocktail from the Movie Bar. Showings begin at noon.
These restaurants are open
Many local and nationwide restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day, so you’ll have plenty to choose from if you’re foregoing Thanksgiving fare this year.
Scrooge's Fine Foods & Drink
The restaurant and pub opens at 11 a.m., and while reservations for parties of 6 or more are accepted, customers will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro
This beloved wine bar will be serving up a family style Thanksgiving that includes all of your favorite holiday fixings, including pie. The holiday offerings also include a complimentary mimosa or glass of sparkling wine, and who wouldn't want that? Adults cost $42; kids aged 6-11 are $25, and kids under 5 eat free.
Ding How Asian Bistro
This local Asian restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and will have all of your takeout favorites like noodles, hibachi, and lots of seafood options.
Picadilly's
Both of Picadilly’s Jackson locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day, serving up cafeteria style Southern comfort food. Don't forget to try their infamous cakes and pies.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
Applebee’s locations in Flowood, Ridgeland, Madison, Clinton, and Brandon are all open on Thanksgiving Day. The family-friendly chain will offer its traditional menu.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Cracker Barrel’s I-55 location will be open from 8am to 4 pm serving traditional Thanksgiving dishes with multiple options to choose from. The location had been closed during the water crisis but is up and running.
Denny’s
Both the Ridgeland and Pearl locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day serving your favorite diner classics.
Also open: Waffle House, Subway, Buffalo Wild Wings, Popeye’s, Golden Corral, Sonic, IHOP
Hit the grocery store, but skip the turkey
With Kroger locations closing at 4 p.m., all Corner Market locations open from 7 a.m.-noon, and Whole Foods’ Jackson location open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., why not try cooking brunch, a simple roast chicken, a comforting bowl of pasta, or trying your hand at a new cuisine?
Easy Brunch Recipes You Can Make Half-Asleep: These simple recipes are exactly what you need for an ideal holiday brunch when you want delicious eats but don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Engagement Roast Chicken; Rumor has it that this classic chicken recipe is so good, you might find yourself with a marriage proposal.
Easy Pad Thai: A dish that couldn't be further from the Traditional Thanksgiving Day feast, try this simplified version of a favorite Thai dish.
The Best Fusilli Alla Vodka with Basil and Parmesan: From infamous Los Angeles restaurant Jon & Vinny's, this dish with a rich vodka sauce will blow the classic 'vodka penne' out of the water. Don't forget to top with freshly grated parmigiana reggiano.
Mushroom Wellington: Vegetarian or cutting back on meat? Try this New York Times recipe for a plant-based spin on the classic beef Wellington.
Spend the day giving back
If you’re looking to pay it forward this holiday season, drop into Stewpot Community Services and help in the kitchen or wherever volunteers are needed. Call the community center for details at (601) 35302759 or email at info@stewpot.org.
More: Jackson's StewpotMississippi food pantry fills void with Thanksgiving Day meal for those in need
Explore the wild on a local safari
McClain resort in Brandon is offering up drive-through safaris with a Thanksgiving feast to follow. On display will be giraffes, ostriches, llamas, zebras and more.
Swap yams for yoga
Try a new yoga class or brush up on your kickboxing with one of these free online fitness. All options are open to all fitness levels.
Daily burn offers a 30-day free trial and offers everything from cardio strength and high intensity training to beginner Pilates and post-natal workouts.
The Underbelly is an intentional safe space for all races, genders, bodies, ages and journeys. The 14-day free trial of yoga and meditation classes led by founder Jessamyn Stanley will gently guide you through movements for all skill levels.
Peloton offer a 30-day trial and has classes like boxing, meditation, cycling and various bootcamps.
Get creative!
With online creative community Skillshare’s 7-day free trial, you can explore unique classes like animation, photography, quilting, web development and cooking.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Which restaurants in the Jackson area are open on Thanksgiving Day?
